University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module will examine the representation of crime in news and current affairs; in television drama; and in film, with reference to representation, identity and popular culture. The module will explore key issues such as whether the representation of crime is a true or distorted reflection of social reality, and what effects such representations might have on public opinion and the political system.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Offer critical evaluation and analysis of the degree to which cultural contexts and media representations shape crime control policy.
  2. Make links between and possess systematic understanding of important debates and theoretical developments in media and crime and cultural criminology.
  3. Develop an appropriate understanding of relevant scholarly and public debates around crime in society, in media, on television and film
  4. Display an awareness of how media representations propagate particular perceptions of crime, criminality and justice
  5. Evaluate the use of media images from the news, popular culture and social media
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Cultural Criminology" by Jeff Ferrell,Keith Hayward,Jock Young
    ISBN: 9781412931274.
    Publisher: SAGE Publications Limited
  2. "Media & Crime" by Yvonne Jewkes
    ISBN: 9781848607033.
    Publisher: SAGE Publications Limited
  3. "Scripting Identity: The Godfather, Sopranos, and the Postmodern Italian-American" by Joy Salvetti
    ISBN: 9783639288445.
    Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
  4. "Homicide" by David Simon
    ISBN: 9781782116301.
    Publisher: Canongate Books Limited
  5. "Godfather" by Mario Puzo
    ISBN: 9780099465164.
    Publisher: Arrow Books
  6. "Reading the Sopranos" by David Lavery
    ISBN: 9781845111212.
    Publisher: I.B. Tauris
The above information outlines module AJ4108: "Gangsters, Narcos and Wise Guys: Crime, Representation and Media" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.